But great advice, I have a bad habit of staying in areas I know very well, I don't like to venture out too far, don't know the real estate climate out there. 

As the auction prices ascended the auctioneer had this habit of increasing the bid spreads, from $1,000, to $5,000 to $10,000 etc. 

Once people get deals going, they then create the opposite problem... they never work on their business or any kind of system building.Try instilling good habits from the get-go.  

Learning how to negotiate, estimate rehab costs and ARV, among many other aspects of the business, will be very vital to you having success in this particular field.

I would think that making repairs should be done regardless for habitability and wouldn't justify a rent raise.

Stick to code in all cases and deal with habitability issues if you are renting on Section 8.

One must ask if you can not manage and handle your own personal credit and finances how is it possible you will suddenly change your bad habits and handle OPM better?!?

I'm not just looking for general resources, though, I'm looking for things pretty specific. a friend loaned me Rich Dad's / Robert Koyaski's "6 Steps to Becoming a Successful Real Estate Investor." which it got me excited, I was a bit disappointed at the lack of depth.for example, they talk about crunching the numbers being vital to find out what's a good buy. yet they don't talk about what those crucial numbers are and how to calculate a good deal from a bad one.

A lot of builders count on apartment owners not keeping tabs on the left over materials between units.If you are also managing the project, get the in the habit early of walking the site with the contractor's project manager every working day.

I think it's vital to make sure the new tenant knows that you will be firm in enforcing the terms of your lease, and hopefully he will settle in to be a good tenant after all.